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Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

I was getting a bit bummed out lately, because I was trying to figure out what was getting done in my "free time". I didn't seem to be producing much art. I'm in this Artistic Mothers groupto help me concentrate on doing something creative everyday, but I was doing less...or so I thought....

What have I been up to lately, besides chasing a toddler around?

I've been organizing my studio. I realized this is part of my creative process. I need to get organized, so when I do work on my art, I can find things more easily, and not get so frustrated. It's taking me forever because...well... I have tons of stuff!! I have paints, papers, stamps, found objects, jewelry making supplies and tools, etc... Lately I've been concentrating on organizing the collage and mixed-media supplies and I think I figured out what mixed-media really means...lots of stuff!

So I bought these cool boxes from Ikea, but I didn't like that I can't see through them, even though they have labels. I'm a very visual person, so I want to see the contents, not just a word label. I came up with a solution that I love. Actually I think it's inspired by something I saw a while back, but I'm not sure where.

I'm making little mini collages on tags with samples of the contents inside, so I can just glance over and know exactly what's in there.

And who says I haven't been making art? Oh yeah, it was me...oops. But look how fun the tags are!
I still have a long way to go as far as organizing, but at least I get to make some more art tags in the process!

8 comments:

Fantastic idea! Very creative. Solving this problem may just lead you in a new direction. If you have a chance, visit my studio organizing blog for more inspiration. Here's a link: http://CEOStudioSolutions.Blogspot.com

I totally understand what you are going through as I am also chasing a toddler around. It does make it a bit difficult to get much done in a day; so just go easy on yourself and don't expect too much. Just do what you can each day, and that will be good enough. You'll get there in the end, little by little, step by step. I think getting organized is a good first step before diving into projects because it clears the mind and makes one feel less scattered; so I think you are doing exactly what you should be doing; so no need to feel guilty. The group will still be here when you have a chance to work on the projects. In the mean time, just go at your own pace and do what works best for you. I love your idea of the tags. I may have to borrow that one one of these days.

Your tags are gorgeous! They are mini works of art!I have a long way to go as well. I am hoping over the summer (I finish teaching in 4 weeks!) that I will finally have it all organized!(and I don't have a toddler!

I love it! As soon as I saw the beginning of your posting with the "plain" boxes, I already starting laughing to myself. I knew you wouldn't just type up a label, like boring me, and call it good. Although, you did way above and beyond what I thought you would. The tags were an amazing idea. You never fail to impress me.

this is a great idea. I organised my craft room last month and it is now so easy to just pop in there and do little bits between looking after the family and house. The problem with mixed media is that sometimes it can get overwhelming and I think that is why the idea in the book of breaking it down with lists and reminders is so great to get us busy mums creating

About Me

Hi. I am Esther Orloff, a mixed media artist in SoCal. I love to use texture in my paintings, eat healthy delicious food, and spend time in nature with a camera in hand.. and coffee in the other. I believe that art is important and can be a powerful messenger, and that we should all encourage one another in this life.